2l8
SONGS, LEGENDS, AND BALLADS.
THE DUKITE SNAKE:
A WEST AUSTRALIAN BUSHMAN'S STORY.
WELL, mate, you've asked me about a fellow
You met to-day, in a black-and-yellow
Chain-gang suit, with a pedler's pack.
Or with some such burden, strapped to his back.
Did you meet him square? No, passed you by?
Well, if you had, and had looked m his eye,
You'd have felt for your irons then and there;
For the light in his eye is a madman's glare.
Ay, mad, poor fellow! I know him well.
And if you're not sleepy just yet, I'll tell
His story,—a strange one as ever you heard
Or read; but I'll vouch for it, every word.
You just wait a minute, mate: I must see
How that damper's doing, and make some tea.
